Apparatus for holding solid compact medicaments during processing

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for capturing and holding a solid compact medicament (A) , such as a caplet, has first 12 , second 14 and third 16 members each having a surface 18 having at least one throughole 20 therein. Througholes 20 have a diameter somewhat greater than the thickness of the solid compact medicament (A) and the interior wall 22 of the througholes 20 has an axial length smaller than the length of the solid compact medicament. First and third members 12,16 are fixed relative to one another. Second member 14 is displaceable between first and third members 12,16 between a first position wherein the througholes 20 in members 12,14,16 are aligned thereby defining an open gripping jaw 24 for receiving and subsequently releasing the solid compact medicament (A) , to a second position wherein the second member 14 firmly engages a circumferential portion of solid compact medicament (A) thereby engagingly capturing solid compact medicament (A) in partially closed gripping jaw 24 for processing.

Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an apparatus for holding a solid compact medicament dosage form. More particularly, the invention concerns a solid compact medicament holding apparatus in which overlapping portions of the medicament, such as a caplet, are exposed to a coating process to produce a coated solid compact medicament which resembles a conventional capsule. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the marketing of solid compact medicaments, there is a clear consumer preference for a shiny, capsule-like, single or multiple color solid dosage form that is easy to swallow. Generally, gelatinous coatings have been used to achieve a shiny surface on a solid dosage form, also referred to herein as a caplet, pill, tablet, and the like. Caplets are solid, substantially cylindrical shaped medicaments; pills are solid, substantially round shaped medicaments; and, tablets are solid, substantially spherical shaped medicaments (see for reference Seitz et al., "Tablet Coating", Chapter 12, Page 346, The Theory and Practice of Industrial Pharmacy ). One method of making caplets which has been used to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical consumer is described and illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 4,965,089 to Sauter et al, and U.S. Patent Nos. 4,990,358 and 4,921,108, both to Berta et al. In particular, Sauter '089 and Berta '358 each teaches a method and apparatus for holding and dipping one end portion of a caplet into a gelatin pool and then positioning the caplet so as to dip the uncoated end portion of the caplet into a second gelatin Pool of a different color. However, a major drawback of the apparatus and methods taught in these patents is that a constant force spring is relied upon to hold the caplet during the dip coating process and also during caplet transfer to other processing steps, such as drying and packaging. As can be readily appreciated, such a constant spring force could impart a shear force which would be unacceptably large on some abrasion sensitive material included in solid compact medicaments. Acetyl salicylic acid, also known as aspirin, and gelatinous coatings which have not been completely cured, are two examples of abrasion sensitive materials which could be damaged by such shear force. US-A-4 500 126 discloses a gripping device especially for gripping thin wall tubes comprising a first flexible gripping member having two spaced loops adapted to enclose one side of an object, and a second flexible gripping member having a third loop for enclosing a second side of the object. In use, the gripping members are moved away from each other thereby reducing the effective gripping diameter formed by the loops in order to grasp the object. Conversely, when the gripping members are moved toward each other, the effective diameter produced by the loops is increased, thereby allowing for the insertion of the object. Furthermore, since existing caplet holders generally rely upon a constant force spring for holding the caplet, they require some sort of mechanical force to load the caplet into and discharge the caplet from the holder, thereby potentially compromising the integrity of the caplet material. For instance, Sauter '089 and Berta '108, each teaches a caplet loading device having a caplet feeder associated with a plunger assembly for mechanically loading and unloading caplets. Accordingly, there persists a need for a reliable, relatively low maintenance apparatus having few moving parts for holding and releasing a solid compact medicament during processing which does not impart an unacceptably large shearing force on the solid compact medicament, subject the solid compact medicament to lubricant contamination, nor rely upon excessive forces to release the solid compact medicament from the apparatus. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, the object of the invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. Accordingly, for accomplishing these and other objects of the invention, there is provided, in one aspect of the invention, an apparatus according to claim 1. In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises in addition to the above features, a stop plate positionable beneath the gripping jaw so that an end portion of the solid compact medicament comes into stopping engagement therewith. Also, a movable bar-like member is positionable above the gripping jaw for initiating disengagement of caplet from the gripping jaw. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing as well as other objects, features and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the appended Figures, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus according to the principles of the invention; Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus showing the first, second and third members having througholes correspondingly aligned; Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus showing the second member in a misaligned relationship relative to the first and third members; Figure 4 is an isometric sectional view of the apparatus showing the interior walls of the gripping jaw; Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of the alternative embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing the a caplet urging means and a stop plate; Figures 6 & 7 are enlarged section views of the apparatus showing an alternative stop plate having a surface depression; Figure 8 is an enlarged isometric view of the throughole containing a compliant material layer; Figure 9 is an enlarged isometric view of the throughole with an alternative retaining means therein; and, Figure 10 is an enlarged isometric view of the througholes with yet another alternative retaining means therein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Turning now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures 1-5, there is shown apparatus 10 for holding a solid compact medicament dosage form (A) , hereafter refered to as a caplet, during processing. Processing of caplets, i.e., the uncoated solid dosage form, generally involves coating (typically dipping or spraying) at least a portion of the caplet. Often one or more layers of clear or colored materials are used in the coating process, for instance, gelatinous materials such as methyl cellulose, calcium alginate or gelatin (See Berta '771). The coated caplet then must be dried and packaged. When one or more coating materials are to be applied to different portions of the caplet, for instance different colored materials on opposite end portions of the caplet, processes are required for exposing and then coating the uncoated caplet end portion are required. This generally will involve either forcing the caplet through a collet in the manner described in the prior art devices of both Sauter '089 and Berta '358 or, inverting the apparatus of the present invention, as more fully described below, and allowing the caplet to fall freely to a predetermined stop thereby exposing an uncoated portion of the caplet. According to Figure 1, apparatus 10 of the invention broadly comprises first, second, third members 12,14,16 each comprising a surface 18 having at least one throughole 20 . First and third members 12,16 are fixed in housing 21 relative to movable second member 14 , described more fully below. Movable member 14 slides along a fixed axis in housing 21 between members 12,16 . Alternatively, member 14 may rotate about an axis between first and third members 12,16 (not shown). In the preferred embodiment, a tension spring 15 mounted in a portion of housing 21 cooperates with first drive means 23 for biasing movable plate 14 , as described further below. Througholes 20 in first, second and third members 12,14,16 have diameters (d) somewhat greater than the thickness (t) of the caplet (A) defining a clearance that enables caplet (A) to pass freely therethrough (Figure 2). Moreover, the througholes 20 have an interior wall 22 (shown in Figure 4) having an axial length (l) less than the length (L) of the caplet to enable a portion of the caplet (A) to be exposed during processing, as further described below. It is preferable that the total length (L) of members 12,14,16 is generally less than about one-half the length of the caplet. An overall thin interior wall 22 thickness favor reduced weight, ease of cleaning and storage, and a generally more economical apparatus 10 . Turning further to Figure 2, second member 14 is shown in a first position wherein througholes 20 in first 12 , second 14 , and third 16 members are correspondingly aligned thereby defining an open gripping jaw 24 for receiving and subsequently releasing the caplet (A) . Figure 3 shows a caplet (A) captured in a partially closed gripping jaw 24 and having an exposed portion disposed for processing, for instance, in a coating vat 19 . Partially closed gripping jaw 24 is defined by second member 14 being displaced by cooperating first drive means 23 and spring member 15 to a second position wherein througholes 20 in second member 14 are misaligned relative to corresponding througholes 20 in first and third members 12,16 . Practically any means for displacing member 14 from a first to a second position may be used, although first drive means 23 (illustrated in Figure 1), such a pneumatic motor, is preferred. More particularly, misalignment of second member 14 relative to first and third members 12,16 causes interior walls 22 of througholes 20 in the second member 14 to engage a circumferential portion of caplet (A) . Thus, in the second position, gripping jaw 24 partially closes and thereby forces caplet (A) into capturing engagement with interior walls 22 of first, second and third members 12,14,16 . Turning to Figures 5 - 7, in another embodiment of the invention, apparatus 10 is shown comprising means for both precisely positioning a predetermined portion of the caplet (A) for processing and for initiating disengagement of caplet (A) from gripping jaw 24 . Preferably, a stop plate 26 positionable beneath the lengthwise axis of gripping jaw 24 is provided so that caplets or solid compact medicaments of various lengths and coating formats can be accommodated. Moreover, stop plate 26 preferably comprises a depression 17 , correspondingly shaped to an end portion of the caplet (A) and, alignably positioned beneath the gripping jaw 24 for resisting lateral movement or bouncing of the caplet upon contact with stop plate 26 , as shown in (Figures 6 & 7). According to Figure 6, caplet (A) in closed gripping jaw 24 is positioned above depression 17 prior to being released from the gripping jaw 24 . After being released from gripping jaw 24 , an end portion of caplet (A) comes to rest in depression 17 thereby exposing a predetermined potion (l) of caplet (A) for processing as shown in Figure 7. Further, stop plate 26 is movably adjustable, preferably under the influence of second drive means 29 , relative to gripping jaw 24 . To initiate disengagement of caplet (A) from gripping jaw 24 , if required due to sticking etc., a movable bar-like member 32 is preferably used. In operation, bar-like member 32 (Figure 5), positionable above the gripping jaw 24 , is brought into pressing contact, preferably under the influence of third drive means 25 , with an end portion of caplet (A) thereby initiating downward displacement of caplet (A) through gripping jaw 24 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other means may be used for initiating displacement of caplet (A) downwardly through gripping jaw 24 , such as, by vibration means, air pressure or vacuum. Figures 8 - 10 show an enlarged throughole 20 of an alternative embodiment of apparatus 10 . According to Figure 8, throughole 20 comprises a layer 27 of compliant material lined on interior wall 22 . Compliant material layer 27 is preferably adhesively mounted onto interior wall 22 or, it may be mounted by any suitable means, such as by clipping layer 27 onto interior wall 22 . While just about any compliant material layer 27 within the definition of the invention may be used, the inventors generally prefer a moldable thermoplastic rubber material, such as Santoprene® made by Monsanto Corporation of St. Louis, Mo.. Alternatively, according to Figures 9 & 10, througholes 20 in at least one member 12,14 , or 16 comprise a tension means, such as a flexible spring member 28 , forming a cusp 30 for grasping a portion of caplet (A) . Accordingly, an important advantageous effect of the present invention is that it provides a reliable, low maintenance, economical apparatus for capturing and holding a caplet during processing without contaminating or damaging the caplet. The invention has therefore been described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the scope of the invention. Parts List Caplet A Apparatus 10 First, Second, Third Members 12, 14, 16 Tension Spring 15 Surface 18 Coating vat 19 Throughole 20 Housing 21 Interior Wall 22 First drive means 23 Gripping Jaw 24 Third Drive means 25 Stop Plate 26 Layer 27 Second drive means 29 Spring Member 28 Cusp 30 Bar-like Member 32

Claims: Apparatus for holding a solid compact medicament dosage form (A) having a predetermined diameter and axial length characterized in that: first (12), second (14) and third (16) members, each member having a surface (18) with at least one throughole (20) therein, each said throughole (20) having a diameter greater than the thickness of said solid compact medicament dosage form (A) for which the apparatus is intended and an interior wall (22) having an axial length less than the length of said solid compact medicament dosage form (A); said first member (12) being substantially parallel and fixed relative to said third member (16) so that througholes (20) in said first (12) and third (16) members are correspondingly aligned; said second member (14) being displaceable between said first (12) and third (16) members from a first position wherein said correspondingly aligned througholes (20) in said first (12) and third (16) members are in alignment with said throughole (20) in said second member (14), said aligned througholes (20) defining an open gripping jaw (24) for receiving and subsequently releasing said solid compact medicament dosage form (A) from said first (12), second (14) and third (16) members; to a second position wherein said throughole (20) in said second member (14) is misaligned relative to said correspondingly aligned througholes (20) in said first (12) and third (16) members and wherein said interior wall (22) of said second member (14) firmly engages a circumferential portion of said solid compact medicament dosage form (A) thereby correspondingly forcing said solid compact medicament (A) into capturing engagement with said interior walls (22) of said througholes (20) in said first (12), second (14) and third (16) members. The apparatus recited in claim 1 further comprising means, cooperating with said gripping jaw (24), for precisely positioning a predetermined portion of the solid compact medicament dosage form (A) for processing. The apparatus recited in claim 2 characterized in that said positioning means is a stop plate (26) spaced a predetermined distance from said gripping jaw (24). The apparatus recited in claim 3 characterized in that said stop plate (26) is provided with a depression (17) aligned with the longitudinal axis of the solid compact medicament dosage form (A). The apparatus recited in claim 4 characterized in that said depression (17) is sized to accommodate an end portion of the solid compact medicament dosage form (A). The apparatus recited in claim 3 characterized in that said stop plate (26) is adjustable relative to said gripping jaw (24). The apparatus recited in claim 1 characterized in that said second member (14) is displaceable along a fixed axis between said first (12) and third (16) members. The apparatus recited in claim 1 further comprising means for initiating disengagement of the solid compact medicament dosage form (A) from said gripping jaw (24). The apparatus as recited in claim 8 characterized in that said initiating means is a bar-like member (32) or air pressure. The apparatus recited in claim 1 characterized in that said second member (14) is displaceable along an axis substantially parallel to said first (12) and third (16) members. The apparatus recited in claim 1 characterized in that at least one of said througholes (20) is provided with means for compliantly engaging the solid compact medicament dosage form (A). The apparatus recited in claim 11 characterized in that said compliant means (27) is a rubber material. The apparatus recited in claim 1 characterized in that said interior wall (22) of said throughole (20) in said second member (14) is provided with a tension means (28) mounted thereon defining a cusp (30) for grasping a portion of said solid compact medicament dosage form (A).

Inventors: PASTECKI PETER A, PIERSON CHARLES W, REITER THOMAS C, PASTECKI, PETER A., PIERSON, CHARLES W., REITER, THOMAS C., PASTECKI, PETER A., C/O EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, PIERSON, CHARLES W., C/O EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, REITER, THOMAS C., C/O EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
Applicants: BAYER AG, BAYER CORPORATION
Application year: 1994
Main classification: A61J3
IPC codes: A61J3, B05C3, B05C13, A23G3